Day Trip to Ikaho in Gunma, Japan | Shaolin Mountain Daruma-ji Temple, Ikaho Shrine, Mizusawa Kannon, and Kajika Bridge, a Famous Autumn Foliage Spot (Depart from Shinjuku)
- Enjoy Gunma's scenic spots easily from Shinjuku without a car
- Visit the birthplace of Daruma and pray for success in your career, studies, and the fulfillment of your dreams
- The mountain is covered with colorful bodhi trees, making it a great place for both taking photos and praying.
- Try Mizusawa Udon, one of Japan's three major udon noodles. Its chewy texture and simple yet delicious flavor are unforgettable.
- Stroll through Ikaho Onsen's stone streets and experience the nostalgic charm of the Showa era and free foot baths.
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— Attractions Introduction —
- Shaolin Mountain Bodhidharma Temple
This is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the late Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. The temple's most famous feature is the colorful "Daruma Doll," a symbol of effort and the fulfillment of wishes. Every New Year, it attracts a large number of worshippers who pray for career success, academic advancement, and the fulfillment of their dreams.
- Shuize Guanyin Temple
Located near Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, this ancient temple, officially known as "Gotokusan Mizusawa-dera Temple," boasts over 1,300 years of history. Its primary deity is the Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The temple's main deity is designated a secret Buddha, revealed to the public only once every 33 years. While in the area, you'll want to try Mizusawa Udon, a signature local dish of the Mizusawa region. Considered one of Japan's "Three Great Udons," it's known for its chewy, hand-made texture and simple yet rich dipping sauce.
- Ikaho Onsen Stone Street
Ikaho Onsen Stone Street, located in Gunma Prefecture, is a historic street leading to Ikaho Shrine. Famous for its 365 stone steps, symbolizing peace and good fortune throughout the year, it's a prime spot for experiencing Ikaho Onsen culture.
- Ikaho Shrine
Located at the top of Ikaho Onsen Ishida-dori Street in Gunma Prefecture, this shrine boasts over a thousand years of history, dedicated to the gods of hot springs and medicine. It is a sacred site for locals and tourists seeking good relationships, good health, and safe hot springs. After traversing the 365 steps of Ishida-dori Street, you'll reach the shrine, offering a panoramic view of the entire Ikaho Onsen area. This is a must-see destination for both religious and scenic viewing. In spring and autumn, it's a hidden gem for cherry blossom and fall foliage viewing.
- Kajika Bridge (autumn leaves from late October to mid-November)
Located in the forest trails of Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, Kajika Bridge is a vibrant red arched wooden bridge spanning a clear stream, surrounded by maple trees and nature. In autumn, when the maple leaves turn crimson, the bridge's vermilion bridge contrasts beautifully with the crimson foliage covering the mountains, making it a classic autumn viewing spot in Ikaho.
Ikaho Shrine: After walking through the 365 stone steps, you will arrive at the shrine, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Ikaho Onsen town.
Kawai Bridge: A famous vermilion arched bridge located deep in the Ikaho Onsen town of Gunma Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its ever-changing scenery throughout the four seasons. In summer, the Kawai Bridge is surrounded by lush green maple leaves, creating a striking contrast between the red bridge and the green trees, making it a refreshing and beautiful spot, perfect for escaping the heat and taking photos.
From late October to mid-November each year is the autumn foliage season in Ikaho, when the entire hot spring town and mountains are dyed orange-red, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Tokyo and Gunma
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Suncity Tourism/KEY JAPAN Co., Ltd./Ryufune Kanko, etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 15
Team leader: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th floor, Toranomon Center Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tourism Agency Registration No. 1892
Travel Association Name: Regular member of Japan Travel Agents Association
Reminders
A minimum of 15 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
No refunds will be given if a traveler abandons the trip midway due to personal reasons. Please note.
Please note that no refunds will be given for itinerary changes or attraction cancellations caused by force majeure events such as traffic or weather conditions.
Vehicle type: Vehicles will be assigned based on the number of participants. For smaller groups, a driver will also serve as the accompanying person throughout the tour; no additional tour leader will be provided. Please be aware of this.
Bus seats are subject to on-site allocation and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding.
The timing of flower viewing or maple viewing may vary slightly depending on weather conditions. Once the tour is confirmed, the trip will proceed as scheduled regardless of the flowering/maple color situation. Please be aware of this.
Those who wish to soak their feet in the hot spring are advised to bring a towel.
This route involves walking up many stairs, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
This itinerary involves a significant amount of hiking; please assess your physical condition before purchasing.
Due to limited space in the luggage compartments, please inform us in the remarks section if you wish to bring a suitcase on board. Thank you for your cooperation.
FAQ
The Daruma dolls at Shorinzan Darumaji Temple have only one eye due to a wishing custom. When people make a wish, they would first paint one eye on the Daruma doll. Once the wish is granted, they would paint the second eye to express gratitude and fulfillment. This symbolizes the process of setting goals and working towards them, encouraging people to pursue their desires with perseverance.
When performing the prayer and wishing ritual with Daruma dolls at Shorinzan Darumaji Temple, you typically start by purchasing a new doll. After making a clear wish in your heart, use an ink brush to paint the left eye of the Daruma, symbolizing the initiation of your wish. Once your wish is fulfilled, paint the right eye to signify its accomplishment and express gratitude. Finally, you can return the old Daruma doll to the temple to complete the ritual.
Shorinzan Darumaji Temple is revered as the birthplace of Daruma dolls, and its specialty lies in being the origin of 'Takasaki Daruma.' The temple hosts a grand Daruma market every year, attracting many believers to pray and purchase new dolls. The temple displays Daruma dolls of various shapes and sizes, creating a spectacular sight of colorful dolls covering the mountainside. It's not only an important religious site but also a unique cultural experience and a popular spot for photos.
Ikaho Shrine is located at the top of the stone steps of Ikaho Onsen and is the guardian deity of the local hot springs. The main attractions during your visit are its solemn historical architecture and serene atmosphere. Ascending the stone steps, you'll feel a growing sense of peace as you move away from the hustle and bustle. Inside the shrine, you'll find numerous ema (votive tablets) and prayer sticks, reflecting the piety of worshippers from all over. Additionally, from the front of the shrine, you can overlook the scenery of Ikaho Onsen town, making it an important landmark during your stroll.
Mizusawa Kannon Temple, officially named 'Gotoku-zan Mizusawa-dera,' is said to have been founded in the 6th century, boasting over 1300 years of history, making it one of the oldest Kannon spiritual sites in the Kanto region of Japan. Its religious characteristic lies in its worship of Kannon with a thousand arms, serving as the center of local faith. The most iconic feature within the temple is the two-story main hall, the 'Rokaku-do' (Hexagonal Hall), which is splendid in appearance. Inside, you'll find a prayer wheel that worshippers can turn to pray for blessings and ward off calamities, allowing you to experience deep Buddhist culture.
The best time to admire autumn foliage at Kajika Bridge is typically from late October to mid-November each year. During this period, the maple leaves surrounding the bridge turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picturesque scene with the red wooden bridge. For walking suggestions, you can stroll from Ikaho Onsen town to Kajika Bridge. At night, the bridge is illuminated, offering a completely different romantic night view of the autumn leaves compared to the daytime. It's highly recommended for couples or photography enthusiasts.
For Ikaho Onsen's stone steps, it's generally recommended to spend 1.5 to 2 hours to fully soak in its nostalgic atmosphere. Surrounding activities include sampling onsen manju (hot spring buns) or traditional snacks at the shops along the street, exploring various souvenir shops, and experiencing retro arcade games. Additionally, there are free footbaths available on the street where you can relax your feet while strolling and enjoy the healing properties of the hot springs. The sides of the stone steps are lined with many Japanese inns, showcasing a unique Showa-era charm.
Mizusawa Udon, as one of the 'Three Great Udon Noodles of Japan,' is characterized by its chewy and springy handmade noodles with a smooth texture. The noodles are relatively thick, and you can taste the aroma and chewiness of the flour with each bite. It is usually served cold with a special dipping sauce, which highlights its refreshing flavor. Its simple yet unforgettable deliciousness makes it an unmissable culinary experience when visiting the vicinity of Mizusawa Kannon Temple.
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